Arts For the Schools

Over the past 26 years, Arts For the Schools has provided access, awareness and hands-on educational experiences for students to interact with professional artists, both local and world-renown. These experiences are designed to enhance early learning, increase understanding of other cultures, promote artistic expression and foster a life-long appreciation of the arts.

Arts For the Schools is a community based non-profit and the only arts organization in the North Tahoe area that serves children, adults and families throughout the year. By providing high quality arts learning in local schools, and presenting internationally acclaimed performing artists for the larger community Arts For the Schools strives to enrich the cultural and interactive life of our community.

History

Terry Yagura Founder

Founded in 1984 by Terry Yagura, Arts for the Schools sought to address the decline in arts programming in North Tahoe, Truckee, and Incline schools — one of the unintended consequences of the 1978 ratification of California's Proposition 13 which drastically reduced educational funding statewide. As a result, our schools have experienced a sharp and steady decline in arts programming. Arts for the Schools aims to bring art back into the classroom and deepen its connection to our community.

Terry Yagura firmly believed that the arts should be an essential component of our children's developmental learning and was convinced that professional artists would provide students with the best possible training. At the same time, Terry worked diligently to bring affordable world-class performances to the North Lake Tahoe area - again, with her conviction that exposing children to the arts, and providing access to and interaction with these experiences would result in our children's appreciation of the power of culture and diversity to inspire individuals and communities.

In 2007 Terry Yagura retired from Arts For the Schools. Her initial vision has become a community gem, and community leaders throughout the region stepped up to continue her vision and ensure its continuity and long-term success. With that in mind, Arts For the Schools has established The Terry Yagura Arts For the Schools Endowment Fund.

Artist-in-Residence Program

Through our Artist-in-Residence program, three professional artists teach specialized classes ranging from traditional visual arts to poetry and creative writing, to quilt making and totem poles. The Artist-in-Residence program has proven to be an enduring program, providing elementary, middle and high school students with lasting memories of exceptional arts experiences.

Learn more about the artists

OnSTAGE Performing Arts Series

The OnSTAGE Performing Arts Series offers performances for both community and school.

We present world class performing artists with unique and non-traditional music, dance and drama — with the intent of promoting cultural and artistic awareness and giving students the opportunity to interact directly with these artists. Our public performances enrich the entire community and touch all ages. In addition, these exceptional performing artists also give master classes, workshops and assemblies to local schoolchildren. In most cases these performers have included the North Lake Tahoe region in a tour schedule that includes venues in major cities throughout the West — often at considerably higher ticket prices.

Upcoming Events
2008-09 Community Performances
2008-09 School Performances